Does Caffeine Fight Fat?

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The effects of caffeine on the human body's breakdown
offatsare not extensively known and research continues to be
inconclusive.

New research has shown that the administration of caffeine
causes an increased concentration of fatty acids in plasma. This
study indicates that this action stimulates lipolysis, the
breakdown of fats in the body, and results in loss of fat and
weight.

However, the conclusion of that study conflicts with the results
from other research done on animals that shows that although
caffeine intake increases the transformation of
fatsinto fatty acids during digestion, and a greater
concentration of fatty acids in plasma is observed, increased
oxidation of these fatty acids does not occur. Cells do not obtain
additional energy from these substances. Therefore, caffeine would
not contribute much to weight loss.

The way in which one individual's body breaks down caffeine
is not necessarily the same as someone else's (there are some who
are more sensitive to it), but it is estimated that around 80% of
caffeine is broken down into paraxanthine, and 16% is converted
into theobromine and theophylline in the liver. Because it is a
water-soluble substance, caffeine and its metabolites are
eliminated in the urine, and generally, moderate consumption will
not produce adverse effects on the body.

The majority of epidemiological information available indicates
that consuming less than 300 mg of caffeine a day (2-3 cups of
coffee) doesn't involve any risks; however, pregnant women, people
with medical conditions, and those who are sensitive to caffeine
should limit their intake or eliminate it from their diet
completely.